It was 111 years ago today, 19th January, back in 1915 that the first bombs were dropped on Britain which killed civilians. The Zeppelin and its successors had two main targets: Great Yarmouth and Kings Lynn in Norfolk. But accuracy was not their best attribute and so some bombs were dropped in between.
One fell on the remote village of Wellingham, where Frederick Pile was out for a stroll, and who became the unluckiest casualty of the First World War. After the war, he also became a source of great debate to the village. Whilst some folk wanted his name on the war memorial, others argued that he should not as he was not killed on active service. However, the Pile supporters argued that he had been killed by enemy action.
Whilst the names of the villagers who had been killed on active service appear in alphabetical order on the memorial, Frederick’s name is also there – but at the bottom of the list. At least he shares the annual tribute on Poppy Day and is remembered.
One fell on the remote village of Wellingham, where Frederick Pile was out for a stroll, and who became the unluckiest casualty of the First World War. After the war, he also became a source of great debate to the village. Whilst some folk wanted his name on the war memorial, others argued that he should not as he was not killed on active service. However, the Pile supporters argued that he had been killed by enemy action.
Whilst the names of the villagers who had been killed on active service appear in alphabetical order on the memorial, Frederick’s name is also there – but at the bottom of the list. At least he shares the annual tribute on Poppy Day and is remembered.
